Christie elected vice chairman of GOP governors association

Gov. Chris Christie, still riding a wave of national attention and speculation, has been elected vice chairman of the Republican Governors Association.

Gov. Chris Christie

Scott Walker, the Wisconsin governor who famously battled with that state’s labor unions over collective bargaining, also was named to the association’s executive committee.

“Both have closed multi-billion dollar budget deficits, tackled unsustainable long-term liabilities in their states and are aggressively pursuing education reform,” RGA Chairman Bob McDonnell said of Christie and Walker. “They are sending a powerful message to the nation that the toughest political issues can be solved, and they will be valuable members of the RGA’s leadership.”

Both governors have earned the praise of conservatives for their aggressive approach toward curbing the costs of public worker benefits. Both also dealt with large protests and reluctant legislators.

Not surprisingly, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Governors Association panned Christie’s election by the GOP counterpart, saying the Garden State leader’s “shtick may make for good copy, but it has had dire consequences for the people of New Jersey.”

“The RGA’s decision to name Governor Christie as their vice chair shows that they care more about tough-guy rhetoric and YouTube hits than actual results,” added Lis Smith of the Democratic Governors Association. “Let’s look at the facts. Since becoming governor, Christie has made devastating cuts to schools, raised property taxes, killed thousands of jobs with his opposition to the ARC tunnel, and even forced a downgrade of his state’s bond rating.”

Christie had a different take on his election, saying the United States is looking toward Republican governors for “ideas and courage.”

“Republican governors are transforming their states with an eye on the next generation and positioning them for long-term prosperity.” Christie said. “This new role is a great opportunity to ensure that the good ideas already reforming the way state government works take hold across the country.”

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About John Schoonejongen

John Schoonejongen is state editor for Gannett New Jersey newspapers. He has reported and edited at New Jersey newspapers from Salem County to Passaic County, writing about everything from state politics to lost pigs on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Born in Camden County, he still speaks with a southern New Jersey accent, much to his wife's annoyance.

when the govenors do wrong, any of them, remember, they are a association and all should be charged with any wrong doings that any one does, just like bikers who are charged with guilty by association, it should also apply to govenors! this ofcoarse would have all govenors obaying law, unlike chris christy who thinks he is a doctor of marijuana? my 29 y\o wife is dead do to starvation while figting cancer, marijuana could have prevented this, but the governor seen fit for her to die although pregnent, rather than restore her eatting habits by using marijuana as a stimulant to do so!!

About this Blog

A second look at news, and not-quite-news, on New Jersey, its politics and government, from the Statehouse Bureau of New Jersey Press Media.

Polls

During the past month, Gov. Chris Christie has been to several states for fundraisers and he is now in Mexico on a trade mission. Do you approve of all these travels?

Yes. I think he would make a great president, and these visits help lay the groundwork for his candidacy.

Yes. His visits help raise the profile of New Jersey and can only help the state.

No. He would make a terrible president and he should stop trying to dupe people into believing in him.

About the Authors

Bob JordanBob Jordan has covered state, county and muncipal governments for the past 10 years. He has also covered the gaming industry and has been a sports team beat writer for NHL, NBA and major league baseball teams.E-mail Bob

John SchoonejongenJohn Schoonejongen is state editor for Gannett New Jersey newspapers. He has reported and edited at New Jersey newspapers from Salem County to Passaic County, writing about everything from state politics to lost pigs on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Born in Camden County, he still speaks with a southern New Jersey accent, much to his wife's annoyance.E-mail John

Michael SymonsMichael Symons has covered seven governors while working in Gannett's Statehouse Bureau -- a stint which actually only stretches back to 2000, but the door revolves quickly in New Jersey politics. He's co-author of the biography "Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power."E-mail Michael